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Media Opportunity: Afloat Lab Brings Navy & Marine Corps Science & Technology to South Street Seaport

For Immediate Release: May 16, 2005

WHAT: Speak with developers of the latest Navy/Marine Corps technologies
WHEN: Wednesday, May 25, during the Parade of Ships (a.m.) & 2 to 5 p.m.
Thursday, May 26, 9 to 11 a.m. & 2 to 5 p.m.
Friday, May 27, 9 a.m. to noon
(Other times available through Sunday, May 30, by appointment)
Open to the public May 27—29, 1 to 6 p.m. & May 30, 1 to 5 p.m.
WHERE: South Street Seaport, Pier 17 (north side), New York City

Arlington, Va.—Media are invited to visit the Office of Naval Research´s Afloat Lab to see new technologies and meet with researchers. The following technologies will be featured:

  • RST-V Reconnaissance, Surveillance, and Targeting Vehicle incorporates hybrid electric drive technology, innovations in electric wheel-motor drive, and a patented folding suspension to provide a highly mobile, survivable, long-range reconnaissance vehicle that can be transported in a V-22 Osprey. Narrower than a jeep with cargo capacity comparable to a HMMWV, the vehicle can also serve as a power source in the field.
  • Contaminant Transport (CT)-Analyst is an instant-response software tool that can help cities respond quickly and efficiently to the release of a chemical, biological, or radiological threat. It combines detailed 3D modeling of a city with understanding of how airflow carries contaminants through it, to help first responders make effective decisions, giving them the information they need in milliseconds, not minutes.
  • PlasmaShield air purifier from N.J.-based PlasmaSol Corp. uses plasma (ionized gas) to kill more than 99 percent of viruses, bacteria, and spores. It can decontaminate a room, protect it from contamination, or even sterilize medical equipment.
  • Also on board will be several currently deployed and developing technologies from the Marine Corps Warfighting Lab, as well as innovative body armor, unmanned aerial vehicles, infrared communications and web-based collaboration tools, and language translation, advanced manufacturing, and next-generation satellite communication technology.

Please let us know if you are interested in joining us during the Parade of Ships as space is limited.

The Afloat Lab is a former Naval Academy Yard Patrol craft that now serves as a test platform for new technologies from the Office of Naval Research. It also serves as an outreach tool to let the public see a sample of some of the many technologies the Navy supports.

About the Office of Naval Research

This year, the Department of the Navy’s Office of Naval Research (ONR) marks its 80th anniversary. For 80 years, ONR — including headquarters, ONR Global and the Naval Research Laboratory — has been a leader in advancing American naval warfighter readiness and dominance through innovations in science and technology for the Navy and Marine Corps. Today, ONR’s continued dedication to providing the Fleet and Force with the technological edge is catalyzing the advancement and delivery of combat systems, sensors, weapons, materials, robotic and autonomous systems and numerous other state-of-the-art, naval platforms and capabilities.